Leeds United: Student in a league of his own when it comes to names

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Neil Hudson

Published:07:39Updated:13:33Tuesday 03 November 2015

Some people have greatness thrust upon them, others are born to it. With Dominic Cazaux, it was a bit of both.

But to appreciate that, you have to ask him what his full name is.

Leeds fan Dominic Andrew, 22, of Leeds, full birth name is Dominic Andrew Lukic Newsome Fairclough Whyte Dorigo McAllister Batty Strachan Speed Chapman Cantona Cazaux. Dominic was born in 1992 and was named after the famous Howard Wilkinson LUFC side which won the league in 91-92.

The 22-year-old Scottish born Leeds Beckett University student has an unusual connection with Leeds.

Leeds fan Dominic Cazaux

“My parents were mad keen Leeds United supporters when I was born,” explains Dominic, who also has an older sister and brother and a younger brother, none of whom share his distinguished designation.

Leeds fan Dominic Cazaux

“My parents wrote to the manager of Leeds United, that was Howard Wilkinson at the time, to ask him for his permission to use the names and after asking the players, he wrote back and said yes. Regardless of whether they had won the league or not that year, I think it was always going to happen.”

He went on: “The name was something I became aware of when I was about six. At school most people loved it, apart from a few people at high school.

“Sometimes I feel I want to get rid of it and be normal but other times I just think it’s what makes me unique. It’s something different and I’m proud of it.

“It has caused me some problems in the past, for example when I have to put my full name on certain documents. So, when I was doing some exams at school, I would have to write out my full name. I didn’t get any extra time to do the exam, though.

“If it’s a really official form, I have to write the whole thing out, so it’s on my passport but not on the laminated page - it was too long to fit on there, so it’s on the back page.

“A lot of people think I’m joking with it but it’s true and I have the proof,” he says, clinching a copy of his birth certificate.

He was even invited to the funeral of the late Gary Speed, but explained that because the letter was sent to his address in Scotland, they did not receive it in time.

He said: “It’s a shame about that because I would liked to have gone and I was really proud to have been invited.”

So, is Dominic a Leeds supporter?

He pauses briefly, then adds carefully: “I’m an Arsenal fan but I do follow Leeds and I wish them all the best. I went to the Blackburn game the other day and I keep my hand in with them. They are part of who I am. I’ll always follow them. They will always have a close place in my heart.”

* Do you have an unusual name, or know someone with one? Get in touch with us at @LeedsNews or @neilhudson